Former Texas A&M QB ranked high in ESPN’s Top 90 college Quarterback rankings

Former Texas A&M Quarterback Ranked High in ESPN’s Top 90 College Quarterback Rankings: A Look at the Journey and Legacy

Quarterback play is often the most scrutinized position in college football, and with good reason. The quarterback is not just the leader of the offense but often the face of the entire program. In Texas A&M’s storied football history, the quarterback position has seen its fair share of highs and lows, but it has produced its fair share of memorable players. One former Texas A&M quarterback recently found himself ranked highly in ESPN’s Top 90 College Quarterbacks, an achievement that reflects both his talent and legacy.

This ranking and the recognition it brings is not just a reflection of individual performance but also the impact a quarterback has on their program and college football as a whole. In this article, we’ll take a deeper dive into the career of this former Texas A&M quarterback, what made him stand out, and how he earned such a high spot in ESPN’s rankings.

Who Is This Former Texas A&M Quarterback?

While Texas A&M has had several notable quarterbacks throughout the years, the one making waves in ESPN’s recent college quarterback rankings is Johnny Manziel, the former Heisman Trophy winner. Manziel’s impact on Texas A&M’s football program, as well as his contributions to college football during his time as a starter, have made him one of the most electrifying and discussed quarterbacks in the history of the sport.

Johnny Manziel’s career is one of the most storied in college football history, and his inclusion in ESPN’s Top 90 list serves as a testament to the legacy he built during his time in College Station. Known for his improvisational skills, unique playing style, and ability to perform under pressure, Manziel quickly became a household name and one of the most exciting players to watch during the early 2010s.

The Rise of Johnny Manziel: A Star Is Born

Johnny Manziel arrived at Texas A&M in 2011 with high expectations, and his college career would exceed them. Initially redshirted, Manziel broke onto the scene in 2012 as a freshman, earning the starting role and immediately making an impact. His dual-threat abilities—combining a strong arm with incredible mobility—made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. But what truly set Manziel apart was his ability to make plays when things broke down, often scrambling out of the pocket and finding success on broken plays. This was a key feature of his playing style that earned him the nickname “Johnny Football.”

In 2012, Manziel led the Aggies to an 11-2 record, capping off the season with an unforgettable victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Cotton Bowl. His individual performance was just as dazzling, as he threw for over 3,700 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 9 interceptions, while adding another 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. His ability to affect the game in multiple ways made him nearly impossible to defend.

It was during this breakthrough season that Manziel earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy, becoming the first freshman ever to win the award. His electrifying play, particularly in games against top SEC opponents like Alabama, where he threw for over 300 yards and rushed for another 92, solidified his place in college football history. The victory over Alabama was especially significant, as it was a statement win for Texas A&M in their first season in the SEC, a move that would ultimately elevate the program to national prominence.

The Legacy of Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel’s impact on Texas A&M was undeniable. Before his arrival, the Aggies were still viewed as a competitive program, but they had not yet broken through to the national elite. Manziel’s play not only made Texas A&M a national contender but also helped elevate the SEC as the dominant conference in college football. The Aggies’ first season in the conference was marked by their win over Alabama, a result that made the football world sit up and take notice of Texas A&M’s potential.

But Manziel’s legacy wasn’t just about what he did on the field. His success also helped put Texas A&M on the map in recruiting. High school quarterbacks and recruits across the country saw what Manziel was doing and realized that the Aggies were not just another SEC program—they were a rising force. This helped Texas A&M attract other top-tier talent in subsequent years, ensuring that Manziel’s legacy extended far beyond his own career.

Manziel’s playmaking ability and the excitement he brought to the field made every Texas A&M game a must-watch event. Whether it was a dazzling 60-yard touchdown pass, a highlight-reel scramble, or a last-minute game-winning drive, Manziel’s games were filled with drama. This level of play led to significant attention from the national media, and as a result, Johnny Football became a cultural icon. The excitement he brought to the quarterback position was, and still is, rare in the world of college football.

ESPN’s Ranking: A Reflection of His College Career

Being ranked highly on ESPN’s Top 90 College Quarterbacks list is no small feat, and Manziel’s ranking is a recognition of his exceptional college career. ESPN’s list is compiled through a mix of performance statistics, impact on the game, and the overall legacy a quarterback leaves on the program and the sport itself. Manziel’s position in this ranking is not simply about the numbers he posted during his college career but also about his lasting influence on the game.

One of the reasons for Manziel’s high ranking is the electrifying style of play that made him such a unique talent. His ability to break tackles, extend plays with his legs, and find open receivers in unconventional situations was a rare combination that changed how many viewed the quarterback position. His style was unorthodox, sometimes wild, but always effective, and it forced opposing defenses to adjust in ways that were unheard of before.

Manziel’s impact wasn’t limited to the stat sheet. He was a cultural phenomenon, one of the first quarterbacks to truly embrace the modern era of social media and internet stardom. The hashtag #JohnnyFootball became a rallying cry for fans, and his presence on and off the field made him one of the most marketable and recognizable figures in college football. His presence brought a new level of attention to Texas A&M and made Aggies football a national topic of conversation. For those who followed his career, Johnny Manziel was not just a great player; he was a living, breathing legend.

The Continued Influence of Manziel’s Legacy

Manziel’s impact on Texas A&M football still resonates today. After he declared for the NFL Draft following the 2013 season, the Aggies’ offense underwent some changes, but the program never fully returned to the same level of excitement and success it had under his leadership. Despite this, the influence of Johnny Football remained. His success in the SEC, combined with his ability to compete on the national stage, set a high bar for future quarterbacks at Texas A&M. His high-profile tenure laid the groundwork for future Aggies quarterbacks, including the likes of Kyler Murray and Kellen Mond, who have followed in his footsteps, albeit in different ways.

Furthermore, Manziel’s influence on the quarterback position cannot be overstated. He ushered in an era where dual-threat quarterbacks who could both throw and run were highly coveted. His play style helped pave the way for the influx of mobile quarterbacks in the college ranks, many of whom mimic the way he used his athleticism and vision to break plays open. The modern spread offense and up-tempo game that is so prevalent in college football today owes a portion of its development to the way Manziel played the game.

The Controversies and the Later Years

While Manziel’s career at Texas A&M was filled with highlight-reel moments, it was not without its controversies. Off-the-field issues, including run-ins with the law and trouble with NCAA rules regarding autograph signings, marred the end of his college career and his transition into the NFL. After declaring for the NFL Draft, Manziel’s professional career never reached the heights his college career had, and his struggles off the field continued to plague his image.

Despite these setbacks, the way he played at Texas A&M should not be overshadowed. His incredible season in 2012 and his ability to perform in the SEC at the highest level were significant accomplishments. ESPN’s ranking of him among the top 90 college quarterbacks highlights the greatness he achieved during his time in College Station, as well as the enduring legacy he left on the game.